How to get rid of a persistent cough?

I've had a persistent dry cough for several years now. I've tried many different medications, but the cough hasn't gone away, significantly affecting my health. How can I treat it to get rid of the cough? (Quyen, 40 years old)

Reply:

Persistent coughing can have many causes, such as sinusitis, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. It can also be caused by the use of ACE inhibitor antihypertensive drugs.

Patients with sinusitis often experience postnasal drip, a feeling of fluid draining from the back of the throat. Endoscopy of the ear, nose, and throat, and sinus X-rays can reveal sinusitis. Asthma is also a common cause of persistent coughing, often accompanied by shortness of breath and intermittent wheezing. Sometimes, asthma only manifests as coughing in cases of cough-variant asthma.

During treatment, you need to be patient, follow your doctor's instructions, and improve the air quality in your living environment by not keeping dogs or cats, and cleaning your house regularly.

To diagnose the cause of a persistent cough, you need to see a respiratory specialist for a direct examination to assess the progression and nature of the cough. You may undergo several diagnostic tests such as blood tests, chest X-rays or CT scans of the lungs, respiratory function tests, gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, etc.

To reduce cough symptoms at home, you should drink plenty of water and avoid exposure to harmful fumes such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and dust. You can also try some home remedies to relieve coughs such as steaming your nose and throat, gargling with salt water, elevating your head with a pillow while sleeping to reduce mucus in your throat, and drinking warm beverages that soothe coughs, such as honey.

You should pay attention to maintaining the humidity level in your home, especially during the cold season. Air that is too dry causes mucus in the nasal passages to evaporate quickly, leading to irritation and coughing. Air that is too humid is also not ideal as it allows viruses, bacteria, and mold to thrive, easily causing irritation and persistent coughing.

The ideal air humidity for breathing is 30-50%. When the weather is too dry and cold, you can add moisture using a humidifier; if it's too humid, you should use a dehumidifier.

Master's degree holder, Doctor La Quy Huong
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tam Anh General Hospital , Hanoi

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